: Tom,

: I'm trying to envision how this could be applied to an SOF frame. Does the
: following sound feasible?

: - Stretch the hull material into place and staple it to the top or inside of
: the gunwales

: - Stretch the deck material into place and glue it to the hull material at
: the gunwales.

: - Trim the deck edges flush with the outer edge of the gunales, then seal
: them with additional glue.

: - Sew the coaming in place in the traditional manner and seal with the PVC
: glue.

: BTW, is this material fabric reinforced or is it like pool liner material?

: Thanks

: Brian

Though I've not used the process you describe, it appears feasible to me. There
was a commercial SOF builder, in Nova Scotia I believe, that used a technique
very similar to what you're describing.

I'll see if I can find his instructions as I believe he is no longer in
business. My folding PVC skin is not without some wrinkles, but
stretching/stapling should eliminate most, if not all.

If the kayak is Aleut, the stern could present some stretching problems,
but if Greenland, I think you have the basis of a good process.

Paul Raymond who posted a couple of pics yesterday, is doing something
similar , but is stretching/sewing the PVC to get it tight.

The 18 oz. PVC is reinforced with woven Polyester fabric. My guess is that
it's probably 6 to 8 oz cloth with the remainder being Vinyl. Quite strong,
but nowhere near the give/stretch of uncoated polyester.

At $5.00 yd, ( 36" X 61") what do you have to lose ? I might mention that
some commercial folder companies, Pouch comes to mind, use PVC skins,
so it's well proven commercially.

Tom